Shortform Books

Addressing Climate Change: 4 Government Challenges

What role should the government play in addressing climate change? What are the major challenges national governments face in curbing carbon emissions? The most meaningful climate change interventions should come from national governments. Only the highest levels of government can create and enforce the large-scale policies needed to achieve significant carbon reduction quickly. According to Bill Gates, enacting change at the highest levels of government is challenging for four reasons.

The Benefits of a Liberal Arts Education for Students & Society

Why should you choose a liberal arts education rather than a program that emphasizes career development? How is it advantageous both to you as an individual and to society as a whole? William Deresciewicz believes that a college education should benefit both students and society. He contends that the ideal education is a liberal arts program that cultivates students’ self-insight and gives them the skills to uphold democracy. Read more to learn about the benefits of a liberal arts education, according to Deresciewicz.

The Importance of Foreplay and After-Play in Bed

What are foreplay and after-play? Why are they just as important as the act of intercourse? Clinical Sexology doctor Ian Kerner defines foreplay and after-play as forms of sexual play that are essential in relationships. These methods can help you and your partner get aroused while also cooling down when necessary. Keep reading for Kerner’s explanations of foreplay and after-play, as described in his book She Comes First.

Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man: How Science Influenced Art

What does “Vitruvian Man” by Leonardo da Vinci represent? How did Leonardo use science to create art? Leonardo da Vinci was more than just an artist—he was an architect, engineer, and scientist. For “Vitruvian Man,” Leonardo da Vinci uses science and art to capture the human body’s relationship with the cosmos. Find out how Leonardo’s “Vitruvian Man” painting was influenced by his studies.

Is Work-From-Home Ending? Advice for Employers

Is work-from-home ending? What challenges do employers face? What work models should they consider? If companies decide to end work-from-home jobs, they’re advised to establish a work model that makes employees feel that their needs are respected. This means ensuring that everyone gets face time in the office—so that remote workers don’t miss out on advancement opportunities. Keep reading for advice on ending work-from-home schedules and reintroducing in-person work.

How to Encourage Active-Learning: Methods + Tips

What is active learning? How can you make your students more engaged in the learning process? An active-learning method is where students engage with the material in a meaningful way as opposed to passively memorizing information. When you take on the role of an educator, it’s important to make active learning central to how you educate others so they can be open to new ideas. Here’s why it’s important to encourage active learning as opposed to rote memorization.

How to Practice Virtue Today and Every Day (The Daily Stoic)

Do you do each task to the best of your ability? Are you committed to doing the right thing? The Stoic philosophers taught that people should pursue virtuous living. They saw this as both a daily imperative and a lifelong commitment. In The Daily Stoic, authors Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman explain that you should strive to do your best on each task and avoid getting sidetracked. Continue reading for the Stoics’ advice on how to practice virtue today and every day.

Security After 9/11: The Rise of Surveillance Capitalism

How has security after 9/11 affected the world? What are the consequences to society? Bestselling author and Harvard professor Shoshana Zuboff created the term “surveillance capitalism” to describe the invasive practices of big tech companies gathering user data. According to her, the 9/11 terrorist attacks paved the way for surveillance capitalism to take hold. Read on to learn why Zuboff says security after 9/11 created the perfect conditions for surveillance capitalism.

How to Overcome Bias: James O’Brien’s Path Toward Change

Do you look down on others? Do you have empathy for all kinds of people, or does bias sometimes get in the way? Radio personality James O’Brien has been known for his ability to argue his guests into submission and prove his own rightness. In his book How Not to Be Wrong, he explains how he realized his misguided beliefs about himself and others and ultimately changed course. Continue reading to learn how to overcome bias as O’Brien has.

What Is Voter ID? A Historical & Global Analysis

What is voter ID? Why is this requirement a much-debated topic in the U.S.? Opponents of voter ID laws argue that it’s a “solution” to a nonexistent problem, yet supporters say it prevents fraud. While showing a form of identification is required of everyone for a wide range of common activities, like driving, flying, or cashing a check, some say requiring voter ID leads to discrimination. Read on to learn what voter ID is and why it’s controversial, based on historical and global analysis.